Liz Harrison Hall interviews Shop Director and Postmaster Rod Scott

 9^th July 2010

Our intrepid village Postmaster, Rod Scott, is exchanging his post office duties for a spell in the saddle, as he prepares to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats in aid of Cancer Research this month.

What inspired you to take up this challenge, Rod?

A group of us from the village wanted to do this in memory of our friend Graham Lees, who was tragically killed (aged 40) in a road accident during a charity cycle event in 2008.

 Who is organising it, who is taking part, and when?

Scott Wilson started organising it some time ago. There are currently 8 of us riding, with ages ranging from 15 to 67 years.   Scott and Angus Wilson, and Ian Oliver (also from Barford). plus Steve Peoples, Adam Tachbell, Rob Davis and John Quigley.  We are setting off at 4am on Saturday 24^th July.

 Have you ever done this sort of thing before?

I have done several sponsored events in the past, but not a cycle ride.  Dugard Place to the Village Shop is usually my limit.

 How far is it, and how long will it take?

It is 1050 miles in total and we are planning to average 100 miles a day.   With my mental arithmetic skills learned in the Post Office, that makes about 10days, but we will have a rest day in the Lake District.  We will aim to average 15 miles per hour, but this will vary with the terrain.

Where will you stay, and what support will you have?

We will be staying in Youth Hostels and small hotels.  A minibus and trailer, kindly provided by the Lion’s Club, will take us and our bikes down to Land’s End, and broadly follow us along the route.  They will meet up with us each evening and be in contact throughout the day to help out in case of punctures, First Aid, or moral support.

How much training is required for this kind of trip?

We asked everyone to complete 1000 miles of training, preferably doing rides of 80-100 miles a day. Unfortunately Scott fell off during training recently and broke his arm, but he is still hoping to compete.  I have done 80 miles in one day (including Welsh mountains) and completed 60 miles last Sunday before falling asleep in front of the Men’s Finals.  And yes, it DOES hurt Down There, but I have invested in two pairs of padded undershorts.

 What will be your secret of success?

A Mars Bar every 45 minutes, and LOTS of water.

 How can people sponsor you?

Donations can be made at the Village Shop, where there will be a map on which our progress will be charted, or alternatively at http://www.justgiving.com/Rodscott-leJog

We are each hoping to raise £1000 for Cancer Research, which was a charity that Graham supported.

 Well done Rod, and all of you, for making this HUGE effort. 

We’re behind you all the way…..